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Your gloves and grips deserve proper consideration

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Tommy “Two Gloves” Gainey notched his first PGA Tour win Sunday with a sizzling final-round 60 to lap the field for a one-shot victory in The McGladrey Classic.

There are many different types of players on Tour but few stand out like Gainey.

The fact that he wears two gloves, one on each hand, for all shots at all times sets him apart from what other players prefer. It just so happens that Gainey played baseball when he was younger and thought it was logical to go ahead and use two gloves when playing golf.

Clearly nothing is wrong with it, as he demonstrated by winning.

So how do you know if the glove(s) you’re using is best for your game? What about the grips on your clubs?

I feel that when making decisions on gloves and grips there is one thing to keep in mind.

Choose a glove and grip that increases your grip security. You must maintain constant grip pressure and prevent the club from spinning in your hands during the swing.

Most players have no idea when the club moves in their hands, but the results can be disastrous. When the club slips in your hands, the clubface usually closes, sending shots low and left for a right-handed golfer.

If grip security is an issue for you, check the following external factors to make sure you can hold on to the golf club properly:

• Sweaty hands lead to slipping grips. If your hands sweat, make sure you're using a glove that helps you hold on to the club. If they sweat more than normal, consider using rain gloves, which work better when they're wet. There are also lotions that are designed to specifically reduce the amount your hands sweat.

• Make sure the grips on your clubs are in good condition. So many golfers ignore the condition of their grips. If you play once a week, you should have the grips on your clubs replaced once a year. Avid golfers should consider new grips at least every six months.

• Your grip size matters. A grip that is too small or large will affect your swing and ability to hold on to the club. You also want all of your grips to be the same size (except the putter). Any professional club fitter can quickly guide you in making the correct decision on grip size.